Local libraries receive $2.3m in latest tranche

LIBRARIES in the Geelong region will share in more than $2.3 million in the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program.

The program was established to provide annual funds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia, and supports a range of essential community activities and services delivered every day across 293 branches statewide.

This includes everything from physical and electronic collection of items, information technology facilities, delivery of library and outreach programs, and the raft of other services provided by public libraries across Victoria.

The Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation received $2,374,220, with most of it going towards libraries in the City of Greater Geelong ($1.6 million), followed by the Surf Coast Shire, the Golden Plains Shire, the Colac Otway Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich, cultural experiences.

“With this funding, libraries can continue to inspire creativity and foster learning in communities right across Victoria,” Victorian Public Library ambassador Andrea Rowe said.

The Victorian government says it has spent $498.5 million through the Public Libraries Funding Program since 2015, including $48.1 million in this latest round.

“We are supporting our terrific community libraries and the endless access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment they offer all Victorians,” Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said.

“Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities.”